THE DOGFATHER: The two main factors that influence your dog’s behaviour

THE DOGFATHER: The two main factors that influence your dog’s behaviour

I was walking with my class recently across fields we often use for group activities. We had all the dogs on lead as we were on a public footpath.

After 40 minutes Eric, one of our clients walking Glen his Border Collie, said he needed to go home as his dog’s continuous pulling was hurting his shoulder.

I had my old dog Tally at the time who was trotting quietly along by my side. To save Eric leaving the class, I offered to swap dogs which he gratefully accepted.

Within five minutes Glen was strolling along with me while Tally was dragging Eric along the footpath.

Eric was confused until I explained that as the dogs changed over they immediately checked out their handlers.

The weak leadership that Glen saw in Eric causing him to pull was noticed right away by Tally who did likewise.

It’s a hard lesson to learn when owners realise that their dog’s unwanted behaviour is created by them but dogs don’t lie.

If they detect weakness they will fill the void.

It’s going to take Eric some time to establish his leadership credentials with Glen who will need a lot of convincing. He will change but only when Eric takes control.

That’s why I never allow a dog to pull on the lead.

Pack behaviour is in their DNA – they know leaders lead and followers follow. No pack leader worthy of the name would allow another dog to run in front.

Neither do leaders permit other dogs to jump all over them. It’s disrespectful. This is not something dogs need to learn it’s inherent in their breeding.

The two major factors that influence your dog’s behaviour are: Training (you cannot tell a dog to stay if he has no idea of the meaning) and relationship (he may know what stay means but refuses to do it for you).

It can be very frustrating for owners so if you are struggling and need help join one of my classes.

You can contact Vic by email at vicbarlow@icloud.com or by text at 07590 560012.

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